Big 3: Top events Saturday and Sunday
1. Meridian Motor City NYE Drop at Campus Martius and Cadillac Square
Styled after events like New York’s Time Square celebration, the Meridian Motor City NYE Drop in downtown Detroit has free indoor and outdoor activities for families until the early ball drop at 6:30 p.m. Saturday. The “ball,” in this case, is an 8-foot sphere with a 7-foot “D” mounted on it. The kid-friendly attractions include circus acts, the Detroit Youth Choir, bounce houses, face painting and jungle gyms in a 17,000-square-foot heated tent. After the early drop ceremony, the nightlife starts and the free indoor activities end. A ticketed party called the Motown Countdown takes over the tent with two stages, two dance floors, party favors, a balloon trip, champagne stations and other fun. This VIP party requires a ticket, which is $85 the night of the event (if it’s not sold out). It’s still free to revel outside and watch the ball drop. Visit motorcitynye.com to register for your Faygo glow tube to pick up for free at the event.
2. Rockin’ New Year’s Eve in downtown Wyandotte
Party in downtown Wyandotte under the city’s clock tower at Biddle and Maple Saturday night, just a few steps from the river. The free event features live rock bands Sponge, Eva Under Fire, Sarah Sherrard and Joe Jaber and the Last Divide. There will also be a heated tent with DJs, games and a full bar. The family-friendly ball drop is at 9 p.m., followed by the real thing at midnight. Visit RockinNYE.com for more details.
3. Harlem Globetrotters at The Palace of Auburn Hills
Part-sports, part-entertainment, the world-famous Harlem Globetrotters dribble into The Palace for a New Year’s Day show. This season the team is debuting its new 4-point line. Located 30 feet from the basket, the 4-point line is more than 6 feet beyond the top of the NBA’s current 3-point mark. Stars that may be included in the appearance are Big Easy Lofton, Ant Atkinson, Hi-Lite Bruton, Thunder Law, Bull Bullard, Cheese Chisholm, TNT Lister and Ace Jackson.
Melody Baetens